Marcus Rashford's performance against Osasuna left Spanish media outlets agreeing on the Manchester United loanee
Barcelona's Marcus Rashford, left, celebrates with teammates after winning a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Osasuna and Barcelona
Marcus Rashford showed his worth to Barcelona boss Hansi Flick(Image: AP)
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Barcelona can secure the La Liga title this weekend following their victory over Osasuna, which would see Marcus Rashford claim the first league championship of his career. The defending champions edged past their rivals on Saturday in a 2-1 success.
Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski netted within five minutes of each other late on before Raul Garcia pulled one back to ensure a tense finale in Pamplona. Despite beginning the fixture on the substitutes' bench for the fourth consecutive league match, the England international once more proved decisive after entering the fray in the 62nd minute.
It was Rashford's excellent delivery that Lewandowski converted with a header to break the deadlock in the 81st minute. The result means Real Madrid must defeat Espanyol on Sunday to prevent Barca from defending their league crown.
Following the crucial win, the Manchester United loanee received widespread acclaim from his colleagues with numerous Spanish media outlets choosing to echo the sentiment.
Mundo Deportivo
Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo lauded Rashford's influence and awareness that enabled Lewandowski to adjust his positioning and convert the Englishman's precise delivery. He wrote: "Rashford had just come onto the pitch when he decided to create a move down the right flank.
"He held the ball for five seconds, five long seconds, and waved his arm, signalling his cross. Lewandowski immediately understood the message and, instead of going to the far post, went to the near post and headed it home."
AS
Pablo Gavi of FC Barcelona celebrates victory with teammate Marcus Rashford following the LaLiga EA Sports match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona
Marcus Rashford can be crowned a La Liga champion on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
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Javier Miguel of AS highlighted Rashford's versatility to operate across both flanks while still producing crucial moments during the season's decisive stages. Throughout his spell at Barcelona, the forward has featured on both the left and right wings, in addition to operating centrally. He wrote: "He played on the right wing again and this time he delivered a great cross to Lewandowski to head home."
Football Espana
Football Espana likewise praised Rashford's knack for consistently contributing despite recent speculation suggesting he may not return to Catalonia when his season-long loan concludes this month.
Awarding him a 7/10 match rating, they wrote: "His excellent cross was headed home by Lewandowski for the opening goal. He's unlikely to stay at Barcelona for another season, but the Manchester United loanee is still making his mark."
Sempre Barca
Those at Sempre Barca delivered a 7.5/10 match rating for Rashford's cameo for putting the ball on a plate for his Polish team-mate and praised his overall performance that could see him earn a start in the El Clasico next week. They wrote after the game: "Delivered a sublime assist to Robert Lewandowski for the opening goal that Barcelona scored, and even apart from that he did well to open up space on the right wing in this game."
Having notched 13 goals and 14 assists across 46 appearances in all competitions, Rashford has certainly done everything in his power to secure a permanent switch to the Catalan club.
[United and Barca are yet to thrash out an agreement over his future](http://Spanish media give new Marcus Rashford verdict as Man United ace sends clear Barcelona message), but with the Catalan outfit now closing in on winning the title, Rashford nearly has a winners' medal as a reward for his fine form this season.